Data Protection in Japan

The Act on the Protection of Personal Information was enacted in 2003. What does it entail and how is it enforced? What are the recent movements to the act? And why? What is the “My Number System” and what are the related impact on business in Japan?

Mr. Atsushi Igarashi is a partner at TMI Associates in Japan. His main practice areas include data protection, intellectual property, telecommunications and entertainment. Mr. Igarashi has continuously represented and advised domestic and international companies mainly in the technology, telecommunications, media and entertainment industries on data protection and privacy issues, intellectual property licensing, e-commerce, search engine issues and litigation. Mr. Igarashi is a lecturer at Keio University Law School and has published various books and articles covering data protection, information technology and copyright law. He also serves as a member of the Information Network Law Association and Entertainment Lawyers Network in Japan. Mr. Igarashi graduated from Keio University (LL.B.) and the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law (LL.M). He is admitted to practice law in Japan and New York. Awards and Achievements • Best Lawyers 2009 – 2013 for Media and Entertainment Law • Best Lawyers 2014 and 2015 for Intellectual Property Law • Leading lawyer for Telecommunications Media & Technology Law, Who's Who Legal 2015 • Leading lawyer for Franchise Law, Who's Who Legal 2014 and 2015